{"id":388415,"date":"2026-01-03T13:42:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T13:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/388415\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T13:42:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T13:42:11","slug":"a-classic-rivalry-from-the-80s-re-ignites-with-oilers-and-flyers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/388415\/","title":{"rendered":"A Classic Rivalry from the 80s Re-Ignites with Oilers and Flyers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, here at\u00a0Last Word On Hockey, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games. For this edition, we will look at the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> taking on the Edmonton Oilers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions Philadelphia Flyers vs Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

2025-26 Season Series: Oilers 1-0 Flyers<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/a>: NBC Sports Philadelphia, Sportsnet, ESPN+<\/p>\n

Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n

Location: Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta<\/p>\n

Oilers\u2019 Storylines<\/p>\n

The Oilers come into 2026 with a mixed bag of results in December. Just when it appeared the back-to-back Wednesday Conference champions were figuring things out with a 6-2-1 record to open the month. However, they finished December going 3-3-0 in the final six games, including a lopsided 6-2 loss on New Year\u2019s Eve in their last game.<\/p>\n

While the usual suspects are returning to their typical pace of production, there are still questions about the defence and goaltending. Recently-acquired netminder<\/a> Tristan Jarry<\/a> is out with injury, and defenceman Jake Walman<\/a> remains out as well. In goal, that\u2019s put everything on the shoulders of Connor Ingram<\/a> and Calvin Pickard<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Of course, there\u2019s always the Connor McDavid<\/a> effect. McDavid has been on an absolute tear lately, with points in 14-straight games. He has 34 points in that time, including 13 of his 24 goals on the season. Leon Draisaitl<\/a> is never far behind that level of production. Draisaitl has 26 points in the last 14 games.<\/p>\n

Connor McDavid’s hometown highlight-reel tally in Toronto as part of a 6-3 #Oilers<\/a> victory is the GameSense Play of the Month for December!https:\/\/t.co\/dViOE8ySnt<\/a> | #LetsGoOilers<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/j8NCkZkx89<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

If the Edmonton offence can get rolling in a game, most teams can\u2019t keep up with the track meet. But navigate through their defensive and goaltending issues, and there\u2019s a way to nullify the impact of McDavid and company.<\/p>\n

Flyers\u2019 Storylines<\/p>\n

Similarly, the Flyers ended 2025 with a rough night on the ice on New Year\u2019s Eve, falling to the Calgary Flames, 5-1. They finished December with a 6-5-4 record, good enough to maintain their pace in the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff race and retain the third spot in the Metropolitan Division.<\/p>\n

However, that record does little to determine just what the Flyers are this season. They continue to get great goaltending from Dan Vladar<\/a>, who is expected to start this game, and below-average numbers from Sam Ersson<\/a>. Some nights, the offence provides six goals, and then, another night, next to nothing. The inconsistency is the big knock on the Flyers.<\/p>\n

Two players who have been consistent in their production are Trevor Zegras<\/a> and Travis Konecny<\/a>. Konecny had 17 points in 15 games in December, including eight goals. Zegras remains on pace to set new career marks in all scoring categories. He sits at a point-per-game pace entering the new year with 39 in 39 games.<\/p>\n

Trevor Zegras is simply incredible.#LetsGoFlyers<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/RbgAR2tifJ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Flyers Clips (@Flyers_Clips) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Prediction and Best Bets<\/p>\n

Score Prediction: Oilers 4, Flyers 3<\/p>\n

The Flyers have been competitive all season and have been as resilient as it gets in games following a regulation loss. But the Oilers are a different level of competition. With McDavid on his current pace, the Flyers need a near-perfect level of defensive play to counter it. They performed well in that area when Edmonton visited Philadelphia in November, but replicating it is always a challenge. Expect a close game, but the Oilers to have the edge.<\/p>\n

For best bets on the Flyers, take Trevor Zegras to get back on the scoresheet with a point or two. Zegras has been held without a point in two of the last three games after a nine-game points streak, but has consistently bounced back.<\/p>\n

For the Oilers, don\u2019t overthink it and go with McDavid. He\u2019s been picking up points at such a high rate that it\u2019s almost expected for him to be on the board.<\/p>\n

Main Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t